The cricoarytenoid joints are a pair of small joints in the back wall of thelarynx (voice box).
These joints open, close, and tighten the vocal cords during speech and breathing.
Cricoarytenoid arthritis can usually be managed by treatingrheumatoid arthritisor another underlying condition causing it.
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
RA of the cricoarytenoid joints can not only affect your voice but can impact breathing as well.
The cricoarytenoid joints are two small joints in the back of the larynx between thecricoidandarytenoidcartilage.
These joints are used to manipulate the vocal cords when you talk, sing, hum, or breathe.
They are covered bysynovial membranes, a thin, fluid-filled lining composed of connective tissue.
In some cases, symptoms begin even before there are observable changes in the joint.
Sometimes the hoarseness and breathing problems are the only signs that someone has RA or another rheumatic disease.
It should always be treated right away as amedical emergencyto prevent the airway from becoming completely blocked.
This could include the use of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications.
Summary
RA is the most common condition associated with cricoarytenoid arthritis.
Signs of cricoarytenoid arthritis include hoarseness, stridor, and pain when swallowing, talking, or coughing.
When RA is the underlying cause of cricoarytenoid arthritis, it is treated with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications.
If it is interfering with your breathing, surgery may be needed to keep your airways open.
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